Washington, March 3 (NationPress) – In a tragic development, six American military personnel have lost their lives during active combat as US forces engage in significant military operations against Iran, as reported by US Central Command. “As of 4 pm ET on March 2, six US service members have perished in action,” CENTCOM stated, noting that they had “recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted service members from a facility targeted during Iran's initial assaults in the region.”

“Major combat operations are ongoing,” the command added. “The identities of those who have fallen will be kept confidential until 24 hours after notifying their next of kin.”

CENTCOM announced that Operation Epic Fury “represents the largest concentration of American military power in a generation.”

A fact sheet released by the command indicated that the operation began “at the direction of the President of the United States” at 1:15 am on February 28, 2026, within the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility, targeting sites in Iran.

The document detailed that US forces are “engaging targets to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security structure, prioritizing locations that present an imminent danger.” Over “1,250” targets have been struck within the initial 48 hours.

Deployed assets include B-1 and B-2 bombers, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, A-10 attack aircraft, Patriot and THAAD missile systems, nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and MQ-9 Reapers.

Targeted locations comprise “Command and Control Centers,” “IRGC Joint Headquarters,” “IRGC Aerospace Forces Headquarters,” “Integrated Air Defense Systems,” “Ballistic Missile Sites,” “Iranian Navy Ships,” and “Iranian Navy Submarines.”

CENTCOM further stated: “Multiple squadrons of F/A-18s are engaged in sustained operations against Iran. US forces are executing missions day and night to deliver substantial 🇺🇸 firepower.”

In a separate statement, it was conveyed that Iran has lost its naval presence in the Gulf of Oman. “Just two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 vessels in the Gulf of Oman; today, they have ZERO,” it reported.

“The Iranian regime has a history of harassing and attacking international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are behind us. The freedom of maritime navigation has supported American and global economic prosperity for over 80 years. US forces will persist in defending it.”

The Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant proportion of global oil shipments transit. Any disruption in this area can impact global energy markets, including major importers such as India.